Sri Guru Carana Padma

Narottama Dasa Thakura's song "Sri Guru Carana Padma" is a profound devotional hymn that extols the virtues and significance of the spiritual teacher, or guru, in the journey of a devotee. The lyrics are a heartfelt tribute to the guru, who is seen as the embodiment of divine grace and the gateway to attaining Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead. The song begins by acknowledging the guru's feet as the abode of pure devotion, emphasizing the importance of approaching the guru with utmost reverence and sincerity. The blessings of the guru are portrayed as the means to transcend the material world and achieve the ultimate goal of life—attaining Krishna.

The song further delves into the transformative power of the guru's words, which are to be deeply internalized and followed without deviation. The guru's teachings are depicted as the ultimate path to fulfillment, capable of dispelling all desires and leading to the highest spiritual attainment. The guru is also described as the one who bestows divine knowledge, opening the eyes of the disciple to the transcendental reality and fostering a deep, loving devotion to Krishna. This divine knowledge is said to destroy ignorance and illuminate the heart with spiritual wisdom, as celebrated in the Vedic scriptures.

Narottama Dasa Thakura also highlights the compassionate nature of the guru, who is a friend to the fallen and a beacon of hope for all. The song calls upon the guru to shower mercy and provide shelter, underscoring the guru's role as a lifeline for the devotee. The lyrics also pay homage to the great Vaishnava saints, Sanatana Goswami and Rupa Goswami, whose writings and teachings have enriched the path of devotion. The song concludes with a reaffirmation of the importance of adhering to the instructions of the guru, scriptures, and saintly persons, and a rejection of any other forms of worship. Through this hymn, Narottama Dasa Thakura encapsulates the essence of bhakti, or devotional service, as the supreme means of spiritual realization.